Dear Hutchings Community,
I hope you've had a good return to the routines of school in the new year. Routines are so important, and it takes us all a minute or two to find our footing again after the holidays.
Please don't forget that we won't have school on Monday as we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It has felt appropriate in the past, and feels appropriate again, to read and reflect about Dr. King before writing my message in The Herald. I am inspired by his nonviolent leadership, inspired by his ability to mobilize communities, and inspired by his dedication to improve the world. In 1963, he preached, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." That serves as a reminder to me that the world I want can only be built with love. I am happy to let that guide me in my work.
As I contemplated what else to include this month, I looked to an old resource I've mentioned before in this newsletter - "The First Five". Edtomorrow publishes "The First Five" daily in three grade level bands, BK-1, 2-5, and 6-12. It's completely free and something our Hutchings staff has used to successfully engage and connect with students and build community. I included a Mindfulness exercise from today's upper grades "First Five" that I'll be thinking about, and ask my own kids about, this weekend. Then, I'll challenge them to work to that end with Dr. King's message in mind.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. We'll see you on Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Ben Malecki
Principal
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District Updates:
Pathways to Future Ready is Tuesday, January 20
Families with children ages three to five are invited to attend Pathways to Future Ready, Howell Public Schools early learning information night, on Tuesday, January 20, at 6 p.m. at the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. During the event, families will explore the district’s early learning opportunities, including three-year-old preschool, Pre-K for All (four-year-old preschool), Begindergarten, Kindergarten, and Academia Bilingüe, Howell’s Spanish Immersion program. This evening will provide a valuable opportunity to learn more about each program, ask questions, and determine the best fit for your child before registration opens. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/491lg0J. We hope you’ll join us on January 20.
Teacher and Support Person of the Year Award Nominations
Howell Public Schools is currently accepting nominations for the district’s Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication and hard work of our outstanding staff members, who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, February 6, at 4 p.m. To read more about the awards or to submit a nomination, please visit https://bit.ly/4jw1sHV.
Hope Squad Dances
Howell High School’s Hope Squad will once again host its popular Mother–Son and Daddy–Daughter Dances next month. This year’s theme, “The Greatest Dance on Earth,” promises a fun-filled evening featuring dancing, crafts, desserts, and circus performers. Proceeds from the event will support the important work of Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental health awareness program that empowers students to support one another. Families are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as last year’s dances sold out quickly. To learn more about Hope Squad and to find additional details about the dances, visit https://bit.ly/3YsdXdV.
Youth Solutions Select Survey
As part of the district’s ongoing commitment to preparing future-ready students, and through a partnership with the Highlander College and Career Council and Youth Solutions Select, a nonprofit organization focused on building sustainable career development programs, Howell Public Schools will administer a brief survey to students in fourth and fifth grade at each elementary school in early February. Families may review the student survey questions at https://bit.ly/3ZdgOaG. If you prefer that your child not participate, please complete the opt-out form by Wednesday, February 4, at https://bit.ly/4hwljUU
In addition, we encourage all parents and guardians to complete a family survey by Friday, February 6. This survey is anonymous, and your feedback will help guide future programs and opportunities for students. The family survey can be accessed at https://bit.ly/45fYDoq.
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Counselor's Corner:
Finding a Healthy Balance with Screens
After winter break, many families notice that screen time has naturally increased. While technology can be fun and useful, too much screen time can sometimes affect children’s sleep, mood, and ability to focus - especially for elementary-aged students.
Rather than eliminating screens altogether, we encourage families to think about balance. Creating screen-free times during the day (such as before bedtime, during meals, or right after school) can help children reconnect with routines, family conversations, and play.
Simple activities like reading together, playing a board game, drawing, or spending time outdoors - even in short bursts - can make a big difference. Small changes can support big benefits for children’s learning, emotional well-being, and overall health.
Kristen Kinney
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Hutchings Rollerama Night is January 21 from 6 - 9 pm! A portion of every entry fee is donated back to benefit the Hutchings PTO!
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Basketball Youth Challenge
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Howell's athletic department is encouraging students to come to games with the "Basketball Youth Challenge"! On January 30, Hutchings is matched up against Three Fires Elementary to see which school can get a higher percentage of students in attendance! Students are free with an adult ticket purchase!
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Hutchings's dedicated open swim night is February 6 from 4:30 - 6 pm!
Also, the Highlander Aquatics and Fitness Center is hosting a competition to see which school can get the most open swimmers! Consider stopping by for a good time this winter!
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PTO Meeting - 2/9
Donuts with Grownups (Last names A-L) - 2/12
Aubree's Night - 2/19
Donuts with Grownups (Last names M-Z) - 2/25
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